There was an update from the Parish Council, including items regarding Stable View at Oare, Bluebell Stables, West Berkshire Allocations for new housing and the Tree Felling along Curridge Road. If you do have any comments or queries about the tree felling, there is more information and contact details on the minutes.

We are also planning to hold a few social events -  the much-loved Curridge Cheer will return this December, with mulled wine and mince pies available at the WI Hall on the 15th December. There is also going to be an Autumn Litter Pick on 19th October, so look out for more information and come along to help us clean up the village.

We also discussed the future of the CRA. We are looking for new members, and we're hoping to talk to people about this at the Curridge Cheer, and hold an Open Meeting on the 15th January 2014. We really hope you can join us.

Following last year’s summer of highly successful events; Community Games is back! In Berkshire last year 35 free Community events gave local people a chance to organise their own and take part in local cultural and sporting activities in their area, in celebration of the London 2012 Games.

The Community Games programme returns and Get Berkshire Active (GBA) along with partners YMCA are inviting event organisers to sign up their events through the website now.

In return we are offering organisers the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £200 to help stage your event, along with free t-shirts, banners, bunting and publicity to get communities into the swing of things.  And behind the scenes, there is lots of other event support to make it as easy as possible to run your event.

To unite the whole nation within the spirit of the Community Games and to mark the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay’s one-year anniversary there will be a Shine a Light Torch relay to celebrate the 49 counties taking part within this unique programme of events.

Kick-starting on May 19 in Land’s End, Community Games will place a spotlight on each area of the Olympic and Paralympic torch relay route as it virtually passes through England

Making its way to Berkshire on the 11th July, GBA and Slough YMCA will be putting on activities for local people to enjoy and would like to invite any local sports clubs, entertainers or activity providers to get involved in putting on some activities to promote their offer to local people.

The Community Games were officially launched in Berkshire at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre earlier this month, where ‘advocates’ for the games came forward to mark the occasion.

Mark Lawrie Chief executive of Get Berkshire Active said

Colin Young Chief executive of Slough YMCA said

For more information and registration of your event onto the programme, visit:  www.communitygames.org.uk

For any enquiries and information about grants please email community.games@getberkshireactive.org

WITH EASTER ONLY AROUND THE CORNER, WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DE-CLUTTER AND MAKE SOME MONEY AT THE SAME TIME. 

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL 2013  

WHERE TO FIND ROOTS:- PRIORS COURT ROAD, HERMITAGE. THATCHAM RG18 9TG

Set up from 11am -open to visitors from 12 noon - finishes at 4pm. cars £8.00 vans £10.00 - visitors £1.00  -CAFE OPEN ALL DAY bookings can be made in advance or on the day.  www.roots-online.co.uk 



Please contact Mark on 07403 525022 for further information or to pre book a pitch.

On Saturday 20th April 2013, Reading Phoenix Choir will be performing at Douai Abbey to raise funds for Prior’s Court.

Prior’s Court is a charity based in Hermitage, providing an independent special school and young adult provision for young people aged 5-25 who are severely affected by their autism. The vulnerability and severe and complex needs of the young people means that they will always require a very specialised environment and a high level of support to achieve as independent a life as possible.

Reading Phoenix Choir, a 50 strong mixed voice choir, will be performing to raise funds for Prior’s Court in the stunning backdrop of Douai Abbey, Woolhampton. Now in their 44th season, the Reading Phoenix Choir will be singing a varied and exciting range of music including well-known classics ‘I was Glad’ by Parry, ‘Zadok the Priest’ by Handel and ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ by Lauridsen.

During 2010, the choir achieved finalist status at the BBC Choir of the Year and also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup for Best Choir. In 2011 the choir visited York and sang in the beautiful and impressive York Minster. In 2012, the choir participated in a recording with BBC Radio Berkshire for the Easter service and in July they were invited to sing at the Olympic torch arrival event held at Reading’s Madejski Stadium. Find out more about Reading phoenix Choir by visiting their website www.readingphoenixchoir.com .

The money raised from the concert will go towards specialist equipment for the school and giving the students at Prior’s Court opportunity to access more activities out in the community.

The evening is supported by Charles, Lucas & Marshall, solicitors based in Newbury, Hungerford, Swindon and Wantage. Hemant Amin, Head of Practice Development and Partner said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity of supporting such a special event for Prior’s Court and at a great venue like Douai Abbey. Every penny raised on this evening will go towards funding specialist equipment for the young people who attend and helping them lead more fulfilling, independent lives.”

Tickets are available through the Corn Exchange in Newbury on 0845 5218218 or from Prior’s Court Fundraising Team on 01635 247202. Tickets are £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and under 15’s £5.